Kasabian favourites to win Mercury Prize 2009

The nominations for this year's Mercury Prize were announced earlier today and Leicester rockers Kasabian and London indie pop outfit Florence And The Machine have emerged as the bookies' favourites.

Other contenders include La Roux, Friendly Fires, Glasvegas, The Horrors and Bats for Lashes. However, the much fancied Little Boots, Doves and White Lies didn't make the final 12 act list. The Invisible, Led Bib, Sweet Billy Pilgrim and Speech Debelle make up the least of nominees.

The Mercury Prize is awarded to the best British and Irish album of the last year. The winner will be announced on 8 September on BBC Two.